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QU CIRCE P,IsST

SENIOR DIVISION

Second Quarter, 1926

The Life of Christ

Thirteenth Sabbath Offering, June 26, 1926

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THE - LIFE - OF CHRIST

LESSON I

THE PARABLE OF THE WICKED

HUSBANDMEN

April 3, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Matt. 21: 33-46.

PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Mark 12: 1-12; Luke 20: 9-19.

MEMORY VERSE: 1 John 4: 9.

LESSON HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 284-306, old edition, or pp.

287-311, new edition; "The Desire of Ages," pp. 596-600..

PLACE: Jerusalem.

PERSONS: Jesus and His diScipIes; 'chief prieStS and rulers.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

In the temple, in this last public teaching which Jesus. did, He

spoke the truth in parables to the chief priests and the rulers: The

scene is vividly described thus:

"The contrast between Jesus and the high priest as

they talked

together was marked. The proud dignitary of the temple was clothed

in- rich and costly garments. Upon his head was a

glittering tiara.

His bearing was majestic, his hair and his long flowing beard. were

silvered by age., His appearance awed the beholders. Before

this

august personage stood the Majesty of heaven, without adornment

or display.• His garments were travel-stained; His face was pate

and expressed a patient sadness; yet written there were dignity and

benevolence that contrasted strangely with the prolid, self-confident.

and angry air of the high priest. Many of those who witnessed the

words ,and deeds of Jesus in the temple, from that time enshrined

Him in their hearts as a prOphet of God. But as the popular feeling

turned in His favor, the hatred of the priests toward Jesus in-

creased."—"The

Desire of Ages," p. 594.

Suggestions for, Daily Family Study

Read the "Setting of the Lesson." Read the Lesson Scripture. Drill on

the memory verse each day.

Study Questions, 1-7, and Notes 1 and 2. Children may read paragraphs

1-4 of the primary

lesson, Read selected portions from "The Desire of Ages,"

psi. 596-600.

Study

Questions 8-11, and Notes' 3-5. Children may read paragraphs 58

of the primary lesson. Read selected portions from "Christ's Object LessOnsi"

pp. 287-311.

4.. Study Questions, 12.16. Children may complete the reading of the primary

lesson in "Our Little Friend." Ask questions on. the •primary

• lesson..., Read

Selected

portions from pages cited • in '"-Christ's Object

LessonS.".



...,...

5. Discuss the following topics : In this interpretation, of, the

Pakible,..who

the -

householder ?•::What:IS:..the,VineYard

?- 'Who. are-the: husbandman?: Where

is..the."fax.•

country" Who are the servants?



the Son?: Wead7geleeted

portions

from pages. cited in ."Christ!s Object Lessons."



-•-•

)

Read the lesson story as told in the Parallel Scriptures, noting the simi-

larity and also the points of difference. Read Isaiah 5: 1-7, fitting it into the

lesson.

Review the lesson and the notes. Use "The Youth's Instructor" and

"Our Little Friend" if these papers are at hand.

QUESTIONS

While in the temple talking to the chief priests and the elders,

what other parable did Jesus put forth? In this parable, what

did the householder do? Where did he then go? Matt. 21: 33.

Note I.

What did he do when the fruiting season drew near? Verse 34.

How did the husbandmen treat his servants? Verse 35.

What did the householder then do?

How were these servants

received? Verse 36.

Last of all, whom did the householder send? Why did he send

his son? Verse 37.

When they saw the son, what did the husbandmen say? Verse 38.

What did they do to the son? Verse 39. Note

What question did Jesus then ask? Verse 4o.

g. How did the chief priests and the Pharisees answer? Verse 41.

Note 3.

io. To what scripture did Jesus then make reference? Verse 42.

Note 4.

11.

What application of the parable did He make? Verse 4. Note 5.

12.

What will be the result of falling on this corner stone? What

will be the result of the stone's falling on anyone? Verse .44.

13.

What had Isaiah declared Christ should be-to Israel? .Isa.

8: 13-15.

14.

.In what very different way does the same prophet refer to Him?

Isa. 28: 16.

15.

What did the chief priests and the Pharisees now perceive?

Matt.

45.

16.

Why did they not lay hands on Him? Verse

46.

NOTES

1. The householder is represented as planting the vineyard and

supplying all the conditions essential in producing fruit. In Isaiah

5: I, the vineyard of the Lord is represented as planted "in a very

fruitful, hill."

"The parable of the vineyard applies not alone to the Jewish

nation. It has a lesson for us. The -church in this generation has

been endowed by God with great yrivileges and blessings, and He

expects corresponding returns.

We have been redeemed by a costly ransom. Only by the great-

ness of this ransom can we conceive of its results. On this earth,

the earth whose soil has been moistened by the tears and blood of

the Son of God, are to be brought forth the precious fruits of Para-

dise. In the lives of God's people, the truths of His word are to

reveal their glory and excellence. Through His people Christ is

to manifest His character and the principles of His kingdom."—

"Christ's Object Lessons," p.

300.

This final act of violence on the part of the husbandmen warns

of the terrible results of starting upon a course of evil. Probably

when they maltreated the first servants, they did not purpose to go

so far in wickedness. Their greed extended only to seizing the crop

of the season. This greed indulged, the way soon opened for greater

evil—they would seize upon the vineyard itself and make it their own

possession. Crime against the servants hardened them for the greater

crime of killing the son. Sin of any kind grows rapidly when al-

lowed to come into the life in any degree.

In His desire for fruit from His vineyard, the Lord will not

ultimately be disappointed. If His offers of grace are rejected by

one, they will be made to another. The vineyard misused by the first

husbandmen passes into the hands of others, who 'will deal justly

with their Lord.

Christ's sorrowful words, "Behold, your house is left unto you

desolate," express in a short form the fearful doom which the scribes

and Pharisees were facing. They were about to be separated from

God. Awful destruction was just before them. The vineyard was

about to be intrusted to other husbandmen. Hitherto those to whom

the parable was addressed had been the trusted and responsible

leaders of God's people, the shepherds of His flock, the keepers of

His vineyard, the officers of His church. But all this was to be taken

from them; His people, His church, was to be taken from those

husbandmen, the Jewish rulers and spiritual leaders, and to be given

to other husbandmen. What a warning there is in this experience,

for the church of Christ to-day! The Lord will surely require as

much of this people, favored above all others with gospel light and

privileges, as He did of His chosen people of old.

"The hearers recognized the warning. But notwithstanding the

sentence they themselves had pronounced, the priests and rulers were

ready to fill out the picture by,saying, 'This is the heir; come, let us

kill him.'

"—"The Desire of Ages," p. 597.

"In quoting the prophecy of the rejected stone, Christ referred

to an actual occurrence in the history of Israel. The incident was

connected with the building of the first temple. While it had a

special application at the time of Christ's first advent, and should

have appealed with special force to the Jews, it has also a lesson for

us. When the temple of Solomon was erected, the immense stones

for the walls and the foundation were entirely prepared at the

quarry; after they were brought to the place of building, not an

instrument was to be used upon them; the workmen had only to

place them in position. For use in the foundation, one stone -of

unusual size and peculiar shape had been brought; but the workififf

could find no place for it, and would not accept it. It was an annoy-

ance to them as it lay unused in their way. Long it remained a

rejected stone. But when the builders came to the laying of the

[ 5 1

corner, they searched for a long time to find a stone of sufficient

size and strength, and of the proper shape, to take that particular

place, and bear the great weight which would rest upon it. Should

they make an unwise choice for this important place, the safety of '

the entire building would be endangered. They must find a stone

capable of resisting the influence of the sun, of frost, and of tempest.

Several stones had at different times been chosen, but under the ,

pressure of immense weights they had crumbled to pieces. Others

could not bear the test of the sudden atmospheric changes. But at

last, attention was called to the stone so long rejected. It had been

exposed to the air, to sun and storm, without revealing the slightest

crack. The builders examined this stone. It had borne every test

but one. If it could bear the test of severe pressure, they decided

to accept it for the corner stone. The trial was made. The stone

was accepted, brought to its assigned position, and found to be an

exact fit.



pp. 597, 598.

5. "In the parable the householder represented God, the vineyard

the Jewish nation, and the hedge the divine law which was their

protection. The tower was a symbol of the temple. . , . As the hus-

bandmen had killed the servants whom the master sent to them for

fruit, so the Jews had put to death the prophets whom God sent to

call them to repentance. Messenger after messenger had been

slain. . . . In the beloved son whom the lord of the vineyard finally

sent to his disobedient servants, and whom they seized and slew,

the priests and rulers saw a distinct picture of Jesus and His impend-

ing fate. Already they were planning to slay Him whom the Father

had sent to them as a last appeal. In the retribution inflicted upon

the ungrateful husbandmen was portrayed the doom of those who

should put Christ to death."—Id.,

pp. 596, 597.

LESSON

MARRIAGE OF THE KING'S SON;

TRIBUTE TO CIESAR

April 10, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Matt. 22: 1-22.

PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Mark 12: 13-17; Luke 20: 20-26.

MEMORY VERSE: Rev. 3: 5.

LESSON HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 307-319, old edition, or pp.

313-325, new edition; "The Desire of Ages," pp. 601, 602.

PLACE: The temple at Jerusalem.

PERSONS: Jesus and His disciples; chief priests and rulers.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

Jesus continued His work in the temple, talking with the chief

priests and the rulers. The parable of the marriage feast reminds

us of the parable of the great supper, recorded in Luke 14: 16-24.

In this lesson, the necessity for personal preparation is emphasized.

[

]

Suggestions for Daily

Family Study

Note the "Setting of the Lesson." Read the Lesson Scripture. Drill on

the memory verse each day.

Study Questions 1-4, and Notes

and 2, getting well in mind the signifi-

cance of the "first call" to the marriage supper. Children may read paragraphs

1.5 of the primary lesson.

Study Questions 5-8, and Notes 3 and 4, noting the meaning of the second

and third invitations to the supper. Read "Christi's Object Lessons," pp. 313-315.

Study Questions 9-12. Children may read paragraphs 6-9 of the primary

lesson. Read selected portions of. "Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 316-325.

Study Questions 13-19, and Notes 5 and 6. Children may read paragraphs

10-12 of the primary lesson. Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 601, 602.

Review the first half of the lesson, connecting the notes with the study.

Use the questions and notes in "The Youth's Instructor" and "Our Little

Friend" if these papers are at hand.

Review the last part of the lesson as described for the previous day.

QUESTIONS

As Jesus continued His instruction to the people, to what did He

liken the kingdom of heaven? Matt.

22: I, 2.

In the parable, what did the king send his servants forth to do?

What was the result? Verse 3. Note 1.

What message did he send by other servants? Verse 4.

What. course did some who were bidden take? Verse 5. Note

What did the others do? Verse 6.



How did the king feel when he heard what they had done? What

did he do? Verse 7. Note 3.

What did he then say to his servants? Verse 8.

What did he direct his servants to do? Verses 9, to. Note 4.

When the king came to see the guests, what did he find? Verse it.

so. What did he say? How did his words affect the guest? Verse 12.

it. What did the king then bid his servants do? Verse 13.

12.

What is said of the number called, and of the number chosen?

Verse 14.

13.

What did the Pharisees take counsel to do? With whom did they

join in carrying out their plan? With what words of flattery did

they address Jesus? Verses 15, 16.

34. What question did they ask? Verse 17.

15.

By what question did Jesus show that He understood their pur-

pose? What did He ask to see? Verses 18, 19.

16.

When a penny was brought to Him, what did He ask? What

was their answer? What broad principle did Jesus then lay

down? Verses

20, 21.

Note 5.'

17.

What is the Christian's duty toward earthly powers? Rom.

13: 1; I Peter

2 : 13-15.

18.

When is it proper not to render obedience to men? Acts 5: 29;

Dan. 3 : 8-18.

19.

What was the effect of Jesus' answer upon His questioners?

Matt. 22: 22.

Note 6.

[ 7 .1

NOTES

"The call to the feast had been given by Christ's disciples. Our

Lord had sent out the twelve and afterward the seventy, proclaiming

that the kingdom of God was at hand, and calling upon men to repent

and believe the gospel. But the call was not heeded. Those who

were bidden to the feast did not

come."—"Christ's Object Lessons,"

P. 314.

3 a

)

Referring to the second call, and commenting upon verse 4 in

the lesson, we have this statement: "This was the message borne to

the Jewish nation after the crucifixion of Christ; but the nation that

claimed to be God's peculiar people rejected the gospel brought to

them in the power of the Holy Spirit. Many did this in the most

scornful manner. Others were so exasperated by the offer of salva-

tion, the offer of pardon for rejecting the Lord of .glory, that they

turned upon the bearers of the message. There was 'a great perse-

cution."—Id.,

pp. 314, 315.

This seems to foreshadow the terrible retribution which came

upon Jerusalem and the Jewish people in A. D. 70. The lesson, how-

ever, is for all time.

"The third call to the feast represents the giving of the gospel

to the gentiles."—"Christ's

Object Lessons," p. 315.

In this reply, Jesus drew a clear distinction between the sphere

of the church and the sphere of the state, and established as a Chris-

tian principle an absolute separation of the one from the other. He

was not laying down any new principle, but was putting into the

form of a direct statement the lesson which had already been taught

in a concrete way in the experience of the three worthies under

Nebuchadnezzar's rule in Babylon. During all the centuries since this

statement was made, there was a more or less close union of the

church with the state, until the eighteenth century, when, for the

first time, notably in the American nation, the principle enunciated

by Christ was adopted. For many years, however, an organized

effort has been made to reverse this new order of things, and to use

the power of the state to enforce the observance of religious dogmas.

This has all been foretold in prophecy, and the message against the

beast and his image (Rev. 54:9, 5o) involves an intelligent opposi-

tion to every effort to establish those false principles which found

their highest expression in the Middle Ages, when the church and the

state were but different aspects of the same power, and the pope and

the emperor were bound together in the closest union.

"The spies had expected Jesus to answer their question directly,

in one way or the other. If He should

say,

It is unlawful to give

tribute to Cxsar, He would be reported to the Roman authorities and

arrested for inciting rebellion. But in case He should pronounce it

lawful to pay the tribute, they designed to accuse Him to the people

as opposing the law of God. Now they felt themselves baffled and

defeated. Their plans were disarranged. The summary manner in

which their question had been settled left them nothing further to

say."—"The Desire of Ages," p. 6oz.

[ 8 ]

LESSON 3

THE GREAT COMMANDMENT;

THE WIDOW'S MITES

April 17, 1926_

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Mark 12: 28-44.

PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Matt. 22: 35-46; Luke 21: 1-4.

MEMORY VERSE: 2 Cor. 9: 7.

LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 606-616.

PLACE: In the temple.

PERSONS: Jesus and the scribe; the disciples; the poor widow.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

The Pharisees and the Sadducees had asked Jesus many questions,

hoping to lead Him into saying something that would cause the people

to lose confidence in Him, or which could be made to appear as a

statement of disloyalty to the government, so that the Romans would

arrest Him. "Not a word had been spoken of which the least ad-

vantage could he taken for His condemnation. His adversaries had

gained nothing but the contempt of the people. The Pharisees, how-

ever, did not yet despair of driving Him to speak that which they

could use against Him. Tliey prevailed upon a certain learned scribe

to question Jesus as to which of the ten precepts of the law was of

the greatest importance."—"The

Desire of Ages,"

6o6.

Suggestions for Daily Family Study

Note the "Setting of the Lesson," and read the Lesson Scripture.

Drill

on the memory verse each day.

Study Questions 1-6, and Notes

and 2. Children may read paragraphs

1.5 of the primary lesson. Read pages 606 and 607 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 7-9, and Note 3. Children may read paragraphs 6 and 7

of the primary lesson. Read pages 608 and 609 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 10 and 11, and Note 4. Ask questions on paragraphs 1-7

of the primary lesson. Read selected portions from pages 610-613 of the Les-

son Help.

Study Questions 12-15, and Notes 5.7. Children may read paragraphs

8-12 of the primary lesson. Read pages 614-616 of the Lesson Help.

Review the story of the lesson included in Questions 1.9, each member of

the family taking part. Let the study include a review of the notes.

Review the story of the lesson included in Questions 10-15, in the manner

suggested for the previous day's study.

QUESTIONS

Who is mentioned as listening to Jesus while He reasoned with

the Sadducees? What did the scribe perceive? What question

did he ask? Mark 12 : 28. Note I.

What did Jesus say is the first great commandment? Verses 29, 3o.

What did He say of the second great commandment? How great

are these commandments? Verse 31.

How did the scribe receive the words of Jesus? Verse 32.

In what fitting way did the scribe exalt the true spirit of obedi-

ence to the law of God? Verse 33.

[ 9 I

What did Jesus then say to the scribe who had fearlessly spoken

his convictions? Verse 34. Note

While the Pharisees were gathered together, what question did

Jesus ask them? How did they answer? Matt.

22 : 4

In reply to the statement that Christ was the son of David, what

puzzling. question did Jesus ask? Verses 43

45. Note 3.

What was no man able henceforth to do? Verse 46.

to. What warning did Jesus give concerning the scribes? Mark

12 :

38, 39.

it. Besides desiring to be seen, what else did they do? Verse 40.

Note 4.

12.

One day while Jesus was in the court of the temple, near the

treasury, what did He observe? Verse 41. Note 5.

13.

Who especially attracted His attention? How much did she

give? Verse 42. Note 6.

14.

Calling His disciples to Him, what did Jesus say of the widow's

gift? Verse 43.

15.

On what basis does Jesus place a value upon our gifts? Verse 44.

Note 7.

NOTES

The Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians were joining hands

in the effort to entangle Jesus by asking shrewd questions. The

Pharisees stood in no friendly relation either to the Sadducees or to

the Herodians, but the Pharisees could make common cause with

them in seeking to entrap Jesus. His plain, pointed teaching had

often rebuked both sects; and they sought to break His influence

as a teacher, and to disprove His claim to being the Messiah, by

entangling Him in His talk—by leading Him to say something upon

which they could seize to condemn Him as. an impostor. Disputes,

too, between these sects were sometimes carried to Jesus, to secure

His influence on one side or the other. But no one ever came for

any purpose without receiving instiluction, which, if heeded, would

have worked salvation for himself.

"The heart of Jesus went out in pity to the honest scribe who

had dared to face the frowns of the priests and the threats of the

rulers to speak the convictions of his heart. 'And when Jesus saw

that he answered discreetly, He said unto him, Thou art not far

from the kingdom of God.'

"The scribe was near to the kingdom of God, in that he recog-

nized deeds of righteousness as more acceptable to God than burnt

offerings and sacrifices. But he needed to recognize the divine char-

acter of Christ."—"The

Desire of Ages," p. 6o8.

"The Pharisees had gathered close about Jesils as He answered

the question of the scribe. Now turning, He put a question to them :

`What think ye of Christ? whose son is He?' This question was

designed, to test their belief concerning the Messiah,—to show

whether they regarded Him simply as a man or as the Son of God."

—Ibid.

[

10 ]

"The same rebuke falls upon many in our day who make a

high profession of piety. Their lives are stained by selfishness and

avarice, yet they throw over it all a garment of seeming purity, and

thus for a time deceive their fellow men. But they can not deceive

God. He reads every purpose of the heart, and will judge every

man according to his deeds."--/d.,

p. 614.

Jesus saw the gifts cast into the treasury and understood their

value. He beheld the "much" cast in by the "many" who were "rich."

He saw also the little cast in by the poor. He saw infinitely more

than all this. He accurately balanced the gift with the circumstances

of the giver. The value in His sight was not altogether measured

by the amount cast in. Jesus looked into the hearts of the givers,

and beheld the motives prompting the gifts. This "how" the givers

gave, above all else made the offering either of little value or precious

in the eyes of the Master. The many rich cast in a little of their

surplus. The destitute widow put in "out of her deficiency; all as

much as she had, . . . the whole of her

living."—Rotherham.

"The word translated 'mite' denotes a small coin made of

brass—the smallest in use among the Jews. ... It was in value about

three mills and a half, or one third of a cent [two thirds of an Eng-

lish farthing]."—Barnes.

"Jesus was in the court where were the treasure chests, and

He watched those who came to deposit their gifts. Many of the rich

brought large sums, which they presented with great ostentation.

Jesus looked upon them sadly, but made no comment on their liberal

offerings. Presently His countenance lighted as He saw a poor

widow approach hesitatingly, as though fearful of being observed.

As the rich and haughty swept by, to deposit their offerings, she

shrank back as if hardly daring to venture farther. And yet she

longed to do something, little though it might be, for the cause

she loved. She looked at the gift in her hand. It was very small

in comparison with the gifts of those around her, yet it was her all.

Watching her opportunity, she hurriedly threw in her two mites, and

turned to hasten away. But in doing this she caught the eye of

Jesus, which was fastened earnestly upon her.

"The Saviour called His disciples to Him, and bade them mark

the widow's poverty. Then His words of commendation fell upon

her ear: 'Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor .widow hath cast

in more than they all.' Tears of joy filled her eyes as she felt that

her act was understood and appreciated. . . . Jesus understood her

motive."—"The

Desire of Ages," pp. 614, 615.

ENROLL IN THE SABBATH SCHOOL

You are not a member of the Sabbath school unless your

name is enrolled. There are persons who attend frequently,

but who, because their names are not recorded, can not be

counted, and so are among the "missing members."

LESSON 4

JESUS FORETELLS THE END OF THE WORLD

April 24, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Matt. 24: 1-14.

PARALLEL SCRIPTURES:. Mark 13: 1-13; Luke 21: 5-19.

MEMORY VERSE: Matt. 24: 14.

LESSON HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 627-630; "The Great Contro-

versy," pp. 17-38.

PLACES: In the court of the temple at Jerusalem:

the Mount

Olives.

PERSONS: Jesus and His disciples.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

Jesus had spent the day in the temple, answering the questions

with which the Pharisees were trying to entangle Him, and speaking

parables of warning. Though He had wrought so many miracles

before them, and though His words convicted them, the Pharisees

turned from Him, hardening their hearts and refusing to believe.

Jesus then said to the Jews, "Behold, your house is left unto you

desolate." Slowly and with deepest regret He left the precincts of

the temple, never to return.

Jesus' words and manner struck terror to the hearts of the priests

and rulers, even though they seemed indifferent. The disciples, too,

were fearful, and anxiously waited for some further explanation.

Suggestions for

Daily Family Study

Read the "Setting of the Lesson" and the Lesson Scripture. Drill on

the memory verse each day.

Study Questions 1-3, and Notes 1 and 2. Children may read paragraphs

1-3 of the primary lesson. Read selected portions of the Lesson Help.

Study Question 4, and Note 3. Children may read paragraphs 4-8 of the

primary lesson. Read selected portions of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 5-8, and Note 4. Children may read paragraphs 9-11 of

the primary lesson. Read selected portions of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 9-13. Children may answer questions in the primary

lesson. Read selected portions of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 14-16, and Note 5. Review Note 3. Drill children on

difficult portions of the lesson.

Review the lesson and the

notes, each member of the family

taking part.

QUESTIONS

I. With what startling statement did Jesus close His talk with the

Pharisees in the court of the temple? Matt. 23: 38, 39. Note T.

As Jesus was leaving the temple, to what did the disciples call

His attention? Matt. 24: I.

What did Jesus say to them about the temple? Verse

Note

As Jesus sat upon the Mount of Olives, what two important ques-

tions did the disciples ask Him? Verse 3. Note 3.

In His answer, what warning did Jesus first give? Verse 4.

What reason did He give for this warning? Verse 5. 'Note

Of what did Jesus say His disciples would hear? Verse 6, first

part.

[ 12 ]

Why were they not to be troubled about these things? Verse 6,

last part.

What must take place before the end? Verse 7.

xo. What did Jesus say of these things? Verse 8.

1. What treatment did He say His people would receive in this

world? Why would they be hated? Verse 9.

12.

What did He say would take place among Christ's followers?

Verse to.

13.

How would many be deceived? Verse II.

14.

What would be the effect of much iniquity? Verse 12.

15.

What reward is promised to those who faithfully endure to the

end? Verse 13.

16.

What is to be accomplished before the end comes? Verse 14.

Note 5.

NOTES

"Christ's words to the priests and rulers, 'Behold, your house

is left unto you desolate,' had struck terror to their hearts. They

affected indifference, but the question kept rising in their minds as to

the import of these words. An unseen danger seemed to threaten

them. Could it be that the magnificent temple, which was the nation's

glory, was soon to be a heap of ruins? The foreboding of evil was

shared by the disciples, and they anxiously waited for some more '

definite statement from Jesus."—"The

Desire of Ages,"

p. 627.

It did not seem possible to the disciples that so magnificent a

structure as the temple could be destroyed. Therefore on going out

of the building, they called the attention of Jesus to the immense

stones, so closely fitted that the wall appeared almost like a solid

rock. What catastrophe could bring desolation to it? Then came

Jesus' amazing answer.

When Jesus spoke these words concerning the destruction of the

temple, the Jewish nation was at peace. Yet in the short space of

forty years all His words came true. The Roman army, under the

command of Titus, in A. D. 70, laid siege to Jerusalem, and took

the city. A soldier thrust a lighted torch between the hinges of the

door of the temple, and in an instant the cedar-lined chambers were

ablaze. The soldiers continued their work of destruction until both

the city and the temple were "razed to their foundations, and the

ground upon which the holy house had stood was plowed like a field."

In order to understand the teaching of Matthew 24, especially

to avoid confusing the sequence of events, we should keep the fol-

lowing considerations in mind:

The disciples had not given up the idea that Jesus would de-

liver the Jews from the Roman yoke, and set up a temporal kingdom

of His own.

The disciples were amazed when Jesus told them plainly that

not one of the stones in the magnificent temple walls would be left

upon another.

Through parables and otherwise, Jesus had repeatedly woken

of His coming again. This coming had been represented in type at

[ 13 ]

the transfiguration, and in miniature at the triumphal entry into

Jerusalem, when the disciples and the multitude thought He was in

the very act of taking the kingdom. When Jesus left the temple

the last time, He had declared to the people that they would not see

Him again till they should say, "Blessed is He that cometh in the

name of the Lord." Thus He called up anew the scene of His

triumphal entry, which tended to revive the hope of the disciples

that they might see Him established in His kingship.

cj!

Seemingly with the idea in mind that these three events—the

destruction of the temple, the coming of Jesus, and the end of the

world—might occur at the same time, the disciples inquire of Jesus

privately about "these things:"

There are two particular points in their question—when shall

these things take place, and what shall be the

sign

of their approach?

' In His answer, Jesus "mingled the description of these two

events"—the destruction of Jerusalem and the second coming of

Christ—giving the

signs

by which the approach could be discerned.

Since events connected with the first advent of Christ, culminating

in the destruction of Jerusalem and the deliverance of the Christians,

resembled in many respects those preceding His second coming, many

of the words of Christ in answer to the disciples' question have a

double application: (I) to the events leading up to the destruction

of Jerusalem; (2) to those leading up to the second coming of Christ.

The historian Josephus says that there were many who, claim-

ing divine inspiration, deceived the people, leading out numbers of

them to the desert, pretending that God would, there show them the

signs of liberty—meaning redeiription from the Roman power.

(See "Wars," book

chapter 3.)

"Christ's words were fulfilled. Between His death and the siege

of Jerusalem, many false messiahs appeared."—"The

Desire of

Ages," p. 628.

That this prophecy applies also to the last days is evident because

it is virtually repeated in verses 23, 24. "The Desire of Ages" con-

tinues : "But this warning was given also to those who live in this

age of the world. The same- deceptions practiced prior to the de-

struction of Jerusalem have been practiced through the ages, and

will be practiced again."

5. Verse 14 stands out prominently in Matthew 24. The verses

preceding and those. following verse 14 picture distressing conditions

that would obtain between the time of Christ and that of His second

coming. There would‘be war, famine, pestilence, deception, perse-

cution, great tribulation. But despite these forbidding conditions,

the gospel of the kingdom was to "be preached in all the world for

a witness unto all nations; and then" should the end come.' Following

long centuries of darkness, the Reformation again set the light of

the gospel ablaze. In more recent times, many agencies have co-

operated in preparing the way for the message of the soon coming

of Jesus. Bible societies have distributed millions of copies of the

word of God in many lands. More than a century ago missionaries

began opening the doors of heathen countries.

Then a little time before 1844, the attention of the world waa

turned to the prophecies of His coming kingdom. Following th<

disappointment of 1844, a handful of believers rallied to the task of

sending to the remotest parts of the earth the message of the coming

of Jesus. This message has advanced from a small beginning until

in the face of opposition, it has been carried into countries far ark

near. There is hardly a part of the world where the messengers of

this movement have not gone. -More than 15,00o workers \ are in

unison telling the story in about two hundred languages. Possibly

the most important and most definite sign of the end is the fulfill-

ment of Matthew 24: 14.

LESSON 5

THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM; SIGNS

OF THE COMING OF CHRIST

May 1, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Matt. 24: 15-31.

PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Mark 13: 14-27; Luke

21: 20-28.

MEMORY VERSE: Matt 24: 30.

LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 630-612.

PLACE: The Mount of Olives.

PERSONS:" Jesus and His disciples.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

Jesus continues His talk to the disciples in answer to their ques-

tion concerning the destruction of the temple and the end of the

world.

"Jesus did not answer His disciples by taking up separately the

destruction of Jerusalem and the great day of His coming. He

mingled the description of these two events. Had He opened to His

disciples future events as He beheld them, they would have been

unable to endure the sight. In mercy to them He blended the de-

scription of the two great crises, leaving the disciples to study out

the meaning for themselves. 'When He referred to the destruction

of Jerusalem, His prophetic words reached beyond that event to the

final conflagration in that day when the Lord shall rise out of His

place to punish the world for their iniquity, when the earth shall

disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain. This entire

discourse was given, not for the disciples only, but for those who

should live • in the last scenes of this earth's history."—"The

Desire

of Ages," p. 628.

The lesson begins with a reference to the destruction of Jeru-

salem, and to Daniel's prophecy concerning that event.

Suggestions for Daily Family Study

Read the "Setting of the Lesson" and the Lesson Scripture. Drill on the

memory verse each day.

Study Questions 1-3, and Notes 1-3. Explain to the children as clearly as

possible the prophecy of the 2300 days.

[ 15

Study Questions 4-6. Children may read paragraphs 1-3 of the primary

lesson. Read page 63u of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 7-13, and Notes 4-6. Children may read paragraphs 4

and 5 of the primary lesson. Read page 631 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 14-17, and Notes 7-9. Children may read paragraphs

6-9 of the primary lesson.

Review Matthew 24: 1-31, until it is possible to give from memory the prin-

cipal events in their order. Children may answer questions in the primary lesson.

Review the lesson, dwelling particularly upon the signs of the second com-

ing of Christ, the manner of His coming, and the danger of being deceived by

false teaching on this subject.

QUESTIONS

I. How much time was cut off, or set apart, for the Jews, from the

prophetic period of 2300 days? Dan. 8:

14;

9:24. Note 1.

What was to take place in the midst of the last week of this

period of seventy weeks? Dan. g: 27. Note

For what did the departure of the divine presence from the sanc-

tuary open the way? Verse

27,

last part; Matt. 24: 15. Note 3.

What were the Christians in Judea to do when they saw the

prophecy of Daniel fulfilled? Matt. 24: 16.

How urgent and hasty should be their flight? Verses 17, 18.

In view of the hardships of that time, for what should the Chris-

tians pray? Verses 19, zo.

To what troublous time did Jesus next direct attention? Verse

21.

How terrible would be the destruction of life? For whose sake

would the time of trouble be shortened? Verse

22.

Note 4.

Against wlaat does Christ warn His followers? Verse 23.

to. What work of deception did He say would be carried on? Verse

24. Note 5.

n. Why should we not be deceived? Verse 25.

12.

What particular sayings are we not to believe? Verse 26.

13.

How did Jesus describe His return to the earth? Verse 27.

Note 6.

14.

By what saying is Jesus' warning illustrated? Verse 28. Note 7.

15.

What signs did Jesus say would be seen in the heavens after the

time of tribulation? Verse 29. Note 8.

16.

What will then appear? Verse 3o. Note 9.

17.

Who will then be sent to gather the elect? Verse 31.

NOTES

The 2300 prophetic days, or literal years, began with the com-

mand to restore and build Jerusalem, in the autumn of 457 a.

Seventy weeks, or 490 full years,. from that time, reaches to the

autumn of 34

A. D.,

when Stephen was stoned to death, the church

Jerusalem was scattered by persecution, and the apostles "went

.everywhere preaching the Word, to gentiles as well as to Jews.

Christ caused "the sacrifice and the oblation to cease" by His

death upon the cross, when the veil of the temple was rent in twain,

and the typical service of the sanctuary came

an end.

what

Jesus formerly had called "My Father's house," He had said, "Be-

hold, your house is left unto you desolate." Matt. 23: 38. "Desolate'

means unoccupied, empty after being occupied. God no longer mani-

fested His presence there.

At the siege of Jerusalem, a pagan power, the Roman, set up

its own gods in the holy place,—fitting sequel to the rejection of the

Messiah by those who once were God's "peculiar people"! This is

what Jesus refers to as "the abomination of desolation," a type of

the greater abominations to follow in the Dark Ages.

The "days" of "great tribulation" Jesus here speaks of can be

no other than the long period of 126o years of papal persecution

through which the church was to pass, when millions of the saints

of God were cruelly put to death as heretics. Dan. 7: 25; Rev.

12:

13, 14. These days of papal supremacy began in 538

A. D.,

and ended

in 1798. But Jesus said the time of persecution should be "short-

ened." As a result of the Reformation under Luther and his asso-

ciates, Jesus' words met their literal fulfillment in that the days of

persecution ended about the middle of the eighteenth centur

fat-y-years-trefure-the- close . of-t14. period-in-17A-

"As one of the signs of Jerusalem's destruction, Christ had

said, 'Many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.' False

prophets did rise, deceiving the people, and leading great numbers

into the desert. Magicians and sorcerers, claiming miraculous

power, drew the people after them into the mountain solitudes. But

this prophecy was spoken also for the last days. This sign is given

as a sign of the second advent. Even now false christs and false

prophets are showing signs and wonders to seduce His disciples. Do

we not hear the cry, 'Behold, He is in the desert'? Have not thou-

sands gone forth into the desert, hoping to find Christ? And from

thousands of gatherings where men profess to hold communion with

departed spirits, is not the call now heard, 'Behold, He is in the

secret chambers'? This is the very claim that Spiritualism puts forth.

But what says Christ?—`Believe it not. For as the lightning cometh

out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the

coming of the Son of man be.'

"—"The Desire of Ages," p. 631.

The second coming of Jesus can not be counterfeited. It will

be impossible for Satan to imitate the manner of His coming as

outlined in these words of Scripture. Jesus has forewarned His

people, so that none need be deceived by false teaching concerning

the coming of Christ.

"In these words our Saviour announces a vital principle of

eternal justice. The destruction to come first upon Jerusalem and

the men of that generation, and later upon the last generation, would

not come because of an arbitrary decree of an offended God, but as

the inevitable result of the deliberate choice of the people. Taking

note of the calamities foretold by our Lord, but failing to discern

the principle involved, the disciples asked, 'Where, Lord?' And Jesus

answered, 'Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gath-

ered together.' Luke 17: 37. In other words, wherever the cup of

iniquity of an individual, a city, a nation, or a generation has been

filled up, there will fall the condemnation and judgments."—"Her-

aids of the King," pp. 72, 73.

[ 17

The signs given in verse 29 have had their fulfillment as

follows :

May 19, 178o, is known in history as "the dark day." The follow-

ing night, although the moon was almost at its full, was so dark that

a sheet of white paper held close to the eyes was equally invisible

with the blackest velvet.

November 13, 1833, is noted for the remarkable display of falling

stars, which has been described as "the greatest display of celestial

fireworks" ever seen.

Just what "the sign of the Son of man" will be is not directly

stated in the text, but rather implied. However, we have this de-

scription by the servant of God of the coming of Jesus : "Soon

appeared the great white cloud, upon which sat the Son of man.

When it first appeared in the distance, this cloud looked very small.

The angel said that it was the sign of the Son of man. As it drew

nearer the earth, we could behold the excellent glory and majesty

of Jesus as He rode forth to conquer. A retinue of holy angels,

with bright, glittering crowns upon their heads, escorted Him on His

way. No language can describe the glory of the scene."—"Early

Writings," p. 286.

LESSON 6

WATCHFUL PREPARATION

May 8, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Matt. 24: 32-51.

PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Mark 13: 28-33; Luke 21: 29-38.

MEMORY VERSE: Matt. 24: 36.

LESSON HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 632-636; "Testimonies," vol. 2,

pp. 190-199.

PLACE: The Mount of Olives.

PERSONS:

Jesus

and

His disciples.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

The portion of Jesus' talk with His disciples which is the topic

of this lesson, deals almost entirely with the preparation the people of

God should be making at this time, for the second coming of Christ.

"Solemnly there come to us down through the centuries the warn-

ing words of our Lord from the Mount of Olives: 'Take heed to

yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeit-

ing, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come

upon you unawares.' Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye

may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come

to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.'

"—"The Desire of

Ages," p. 636.

Suggestions for Daily Family Study

Read

the "Setting of the Lesson" and the Lesson Scripture. Drill on the

memory verse each day.

Study Questions 1-5, reading also the Parallel Scriptures. Children may

read paragraphs 1 and 2 of the primary lesson. Read page 632 of "The Desire

of Ages."

Study Questions 6-10, and Notes 1-3. Children may read paragraphs 3-6

of the primary lesson. Read pages 633 and 634 of "The Desire of Ages."

4. Study Questions 11-14, and Note 4. Children may read paragraphs 7 and

8 of the primary lesson. Read selected portions in "Testimonies," vol. 2, pp.

190-199.

5. Study Questions 15-17, and Notes 5 and 6. Children may read paragraphs

9 and 10 of the primary lesson. Read selected portions in "Testimonies," vol.

2, pp. 190-199.

6. Study Question 13, and Note 7. Review the evidence that the coming of

the Lord is near, and the preparation His people should now be making.

7. Review the lesson. Discuss the following topics in such a manner as will

be helpful to every member of the family: What does each of the parables in

this lesson teach? How to get ready for the coming of the Lord. Danger in

delaying preparation.

QUESTIONS

In continuing His instruction to His disciples on the Mount of

Olives, what parable did Jesus give to illustrate the meaning of

signs? Matt. 24: 32.

How did He apply the parable? Verse 33, margin.

What declaration did Jesus then make? Verse 34.

How did He emphasize the enduring nature of His word?

Verse 35.

What did He say of the day and hour of His coming? Verse 36.

To what is His coming compared? Verse 37.

What characteristics of Noah's time did Jesus mention? Verses

38, 39. Note 1.

When will similar conditions be repeated? Verse 39, last part.

'What illustrations are given of the separation of the people in

the judgment hour? Verses 40, 41. Note 2.

10.

In view of the fact that we do not know the hour when the

Master will come, what does He admonish us to do? Verse 42.

Note 3.

it. What illustration does Jesus cite to impress the need for watch-

fulness? Verse 43.

12.

In what condition are Jesus' followers to be? Why are they to

be ready? Verse 44. Note 4.

13.

What will the faithful and wise servant be doing while waiting

for his Lord's return? Verse 45-

14.

What is said of such a servant? What will be his final reward?

Verses 46, 47.

15.

What may some of the servants at that time say in their hearts?-

Verse 48. Note 5.

16.

What will these evil servants do? With what result? Verses

49, 5o. Note 6.

17.

What will be the portion of the-unfaithful servant? When too

late for repentance, in what way will the evil servant express

disappointment? Verse 51.

18.

What solemn admonition has been given us as a people? Note 7.

NOTES

"The sins that called for vengeance upon the antedib-vian

world, exist to-day. The fear of God is banished from the hearts

[ 19

of men, and His law is treated with indifference and

contempt. The

intense worldliness of that generation is equaled by that of the gen-

eration now living. . . . God did not condemn the antediluvians for

eating and drinking; He had given them the fruits of the earth in

great abundance to supply their physical wants. Their sin consisted

in taking these gifts without gratitude to the Giver, and debasing

themselves by indulging appetite without restraint. It was lawful

for them to marry. Marriage was in God's order ; it was one of

the first institutions which He established. He gave special directions

concerning this ordinance, clothing it with sanctity and beauty; but

these directions were forgotten, and marriage was perverted, and

made to minister to passion. A similar condition of things exists

now. That which is lawful in itself is carried to

excess."—"Patri-

archs and Prophets," p.

In studying verses 32-51 of this chapter, it is well to keep in

mind that some of the many texts of the Bible referring to the sec-

ond coming of Christ refer to specific incidents in that group of ex-

periences, others to the broader event as a whole. There are only two

advents of Christ particularly named and numbered in the Bible,—

the first advent and the second advent. Taken in their larger aspect,

each of these events covers all the incidents of its respective period.

"Jesus has left us word, 'Watch ye therefore: for ye know not

when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at

the cock-crowing, or in the morning; lest coming suddenly he find

you sleeping. And what I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch.' We

are waiting and watching for the return of the Master, who is

to bring the morning, lest coming suddenly He find us sleeping.

What time is here referred to? Not to the revelation of Christ in

the clouds of heaven to find a people asleep. No; but to His return

from His ministration in the most holy place of the heavenly sanc-

tuary, when He lays off His priestly attire, and clothes Himself with

garments of vengeance, and when the mandate goes forth, 'He that

is unjust, let him be unjust still: . . . and he that is holy, let him

be holy still.'

"—"Testimonies," vol. 2, pp. 19o, 191.

No one knows the day and hour when Jesus is to lay down

His censer in the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary. That

most important day of all days to the children of men, the Father

keeps in His own power. (See Acts i:6, 7.) On that day, the

destiny of every soul is fixed for either weal or woe, life or death,

beyond the possibility of recall. A most solemn hour !

"When Jesus ceases to plead for man, the cases of all are forever

decided. . . . This time finally comes suddenly upon all, and those

who have neglected to purify their souls by obeying the truth, are

found ,sleeping. They became weary of waiting and watching; they

became indifferent in regard to the coming of their Master."—

"Testimonies," vol. 2, p. 191.

"They [the evil servants] longed not for His appearing, and

thought there was no need of such continued, persevering watching.

They had been disappointed in their expectations, and might be again.

They concluded that there was time enough yet to arouse. They

would be sure not to lose the opportunity of securing an earthly

treasure. It would be safe to get all of this world they could. And

in securing this object, they lost all anxiety and interest in the

appearing of the Master. They became indifferent and careless, as

though His coming were yet in the distance. But while their interest

was buried up in their worldly gains, the work closed in the heavenly

sanctuary, and they were unprepared."—Ibid.

"If such had only known that the work of Christ in the heav-

enly sanctuary would close so soon, how differently would they have

conducted themselves! how earnestly would they have'watched! The

Master, anticipating all this, gives them timely warning in the com-

mand to watch: He distinctly states the suddenness of His coming.

He does not measure the time, lest we shall neglect a momentary

preparation, and in our indolence look ahead to the time when we

think He will come, and defer the preparation. 'Watch ye there-

fore : for ye know not.' . . . Those not found waiting and watching,

are finally surprised in their unfaithfulness. The Master comes, and

instead of their being ready to open unto Him immediately, they are

locked in worldly slumber, and are lost at last."—Id.,

pp. 191, 192.

"The world, full of rioting, full of godless pleasure, is asleep,

asleep in carnal security. Men are putting afar off the coming of

the Lord. They laugh at warnings. The proud boast is made, 'All

things continue as they were from the beginning.' To-morrow shall

be as this day, and much more abundant.' We will go deeper into

pleasure loving. . . .

"Everything in the world is in agitation. The signs of the times

are ominous. Coming events cast their shadows before. The Spirit

of God is withdrawing from the earth, and calamity follows calamity

by sea and by land. There are tempests, earthquakes, fires, floods,

murders of every grade. Who can read the future? Where is

security? There is assurance in nothing that is human or earthly....

"The crisis is stealing gradually upon us. The sun shines in the

heavens, passing over its-usual round, and the heavens still declare

the glory of God. Men are still eating and drinking, planting and

building, marrying, and giving in marriage. Merchants are still

buying and selling. Men are jostling one against another, contend-

ing for the highest place. Pleasure lovers are still crowding to

theaters, horse races, gambling hells. The highest excitement pre-

vails, yet probation's hour is fast closing, and every case is about

to be eternally decided. Satan sees that his time is short. He has

set all his agencies at work that men may be deceived, deluded, occu-

pied, and entranced, until the day of probation shall be ended, and

the door of mercy be forever shut."—"The

Desire of Ages," pp.

635, 636.

"Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be over-

charged with surfeiting, and drunkenness,.and cares of this life, and

so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come

on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye

therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to

escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before

the Son of man." Luke 21: 34-36.

[ 21 ]

LESSON 7

THE PARABLE OF THE VIRGINS

May 15, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Matt. 25: 1-13.

MLIVIORY VERSE: Matt. 25: 13.

LESSON HELP: "Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 405-421, old edition, or pp.

415-431, new edition.

PLACE: The Mount of Olives.

PERSONS: Jesus and His disciples.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

"Christ with His disciples is seated upon the Mount of Olives.

The sun has set behind the mountains, and the heavens are curtained

with the shades of evening. In full view is a dwelling house, lighted

up brilliantly, as if for some festive scene. The light streams from

the openings, and an expectant company wait around, indicating that

a marriage procession is soon to appear. . . . As Christ sat looking

upon the party that waited for the bridegroom, He told His disciples

the story of the ten virgins, by their experience illustrating the ex-

perience of the church that shall live just before His second coming."

—"Christ's Object Lessons,"

pp.

415, 416.

Suggestions for Daily Family Study

1: Read the "Setting of the Lesson" and the Lesson Scripture. Drill on the

memory verse each day.

Study Questions 1-4, and Notes 1-3. Children may read paragraphs 1-5

of the primary lesson. Read pages 415-419 of the Lesson Help, new edition.

Study Questions 5-9, and Notes 4-6. Children may read paragraphs 6-8

of the primary lesson. Read pages 420-423 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 10-13, and Note 7. Children may read paragraphs 9-11

of the primary lesson. Read pages 424-427 of the, Lesson Help.

Study Questions 14 and 15. Ask questions in "Our Little Friend." Read

notes in "The Youth's Instructor" if the paper is available..

Name the persons mentioned in the lesson, telling what each said and did.

Study Oriental customs mentioned in this lesson. (See Bible Dictionary.)

Name some things which it is not possible to give to another. Read pages

428-431 of the Lesson Help.

Review

the lesson, each member of the family taking part.

QUESTIONS

To what will the kingdom of heaven be likened at the time de-

scribed in the latter part of the preceding chapter? Matt. 25: 1,

first part. Note r.

What is said of. five of the virgins who went forth to meet the

bridegroom? What is said of the other five? Verse 2.

What act determined the wisdom or foolishness of these ten

virgins? Verses

4. Note 2.

While the bridegroom tarried, what did all the virgins do?

Verse 5. Note 3.

What cry arose at midnight? Verse 6.

What did all the virgins then do? Verse 7. Note 4-

What request did the foolish make of the wise? What reason

did they give for this request? Verse 8, margin. Note 5.

How did the wise answer them? Verse 9, first part. Note 6.

What counsel did the wise give the foolish? Verse 9, last part.

io. What took place while the foolish were gone to buy oil? Verse

so, first part.

t. What did those who were ready do? What was then done?

Verse so, last part.

12.

When the foolish virgins returned, what did they say? Verse IL

13.

What answer did the master of the wedding give? Verse 12.

Note 7.

14.

With what exhortation did Jesus enforce the lesson of the

parable? Verse 13.

15.

What will those who are ready say in the day of the Lord's

coming? Isa. 25: 9.

NOTES

"Then" refers to the time described in the latter part of the

preceding chapter. There is a very evident relation between this

parable and the theme of the preceding chapter, which deals with

the coming of the Lord. T o notes sound forth clearly throughout

the parable and its applica 'on: Watch, and be ready. Watching—

that is, keeping wide-awa e—is the main essential t being ready.

This represents a class f people who are looking f r the coming

Bridegroom, and waitin to go out to imeet Him.

Mark the difference, in the parable, between the preparation

of the foolish virgins and that of the wise ones, for on this difference

turns the meaning of the whole parable: the foolish "took no oil ;"

the wise "took oil." All had lamps, and the lamps were all filled with

oil to start With; but only half of the virgins provided against delay

in the coming of the bridegroom.

"On the occasion of a marriage the bridegroom, attended by

his friends, went to the house of his bride, and brought her with her

friends in joyful procession to his own house. The virgins mentioned

in the text were probably some of the friends of the bride, who were

to meet and join the procession at some convenient place. . . .

"Whether these virgins carried torches, or merely lamps, as, some

commentators suppose, they needed a supply of oil to replenish their

light, and hence were obliged to carry 'vessels' to contain the supplies

of oil. Great efforts are made to have an abundance of light at

Oriental weddings. . . . Reference is made to this custom of night

weddings, not only in these two verses, but also in the first verse,

and in the fifth and sixth verses. Lamps, torches, and lanterns are

freely used in the marriage procession, and also at the house of the

bridegroom, where the ceremony is performed. . . .

"At all formal banquets the invited guests presented their tablets

or cards to a servant stationed at the entrance door for the purpose,

care being taken to keep out uninvited spectators. When the com-

pany were assembled the 'master of the house' shut the door, and

after that the servant was not allowed to admit anyone, no matter

I 23 1

how great the importunity. This illustrates not only the text, but

also Luke 13: 24,

25."—"Bible Manners and Customs,"

pp. 378, 379.-

"In the parable, all the ten virgins went out to meet the bride-

groom. All had lamps, and vessels for oil. For a time there was

seen no difference between them. So with the church that lives just

before Christ's second coming. All have a knowledge of the Scrip-

tures. All have heard the message of Christ's near approach, and

confidently expect His appearing. But as in the parable, so it is now.

A time of waiting intervenes, faith is tried; and when the cry is

heard, `Behold, the Bridegroom cometh ; go ye out to meet Him,'

many are unready. They have no oil in their vessels with their lamps.

They are destitute of the Holy

Spirit."—"Christ's Object Lessons,"

P. 4

"The class represented by the foolish virgins are not hypocrites.

They have a regard for the truth, they have advocated the truth, they

are attracted to those who believe the truth ; but they have not

yielded themselves to the Holy Spirit's working. . . .

"This is the class that in time of peril are found crying, Peace and

safety. They lull their hearts into security, and dream not of danger.

When startled from their lethargy, they discern their destitution, and

entreat others to supply their lack; but in spiritual things no man

can make up another's deficiency."—Id.,

pp. 419, 420.

first thought, the answer of the wise may seem selfish.

But these virgins were to have an important part in making the

wedding a success. Their first duty was to discharge this responsi-

bility faithfully. It had to be an individual work. So with the

Christian ; he can not say to another, Give me of your supply of

grace; he is to go to "them that sell," to the Source of grace, and

buy for himself. "Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I

live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter;

they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness."

Eze. 14:

20.

"Saddest of all words that ever fell on mortal ear are those

words of doom, `I know you not.' The fellowship of the Spirit,

which you have slighted, could alone make you one with the joyous

throng at the marriage feast. In that scene you can not participate.

Its light would fall on blinded eyes, its melody upon ,deaf ears. Its

love and joy could awake no chord of gladness in the world-

benumbed heart. You are shut out from heaven by your own unfit-

ness for its companionship."—"Christ's

Object Lessons,"

22.

THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING

June 26, 1926

NORTHEAST AND NORTHWEST

INDIA

[ 24 ]

LESSON 8

THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS

May 22, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Matt. 25: 14-30.

MEMORY VERSE: Matt. 25: 23.

LESSON HELP: "Christ's Object -Lessons," pp. 325-365, old edition, or pp.

327-369, new edition.

PLACE: The Mount of Olives.

PERSONS: Jesus and His disciples.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

"Christ op the Mount of Olives had spoken to His disciples of

His second advent to the world. He had specified certain signs that

were to show when His coming was near, and had bidden His dis-

ciples watch and be ready. Again He repeated the warning, 'Watch

therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son

of man cometh.' Then He showed what it means to watch for His

coming. The time is to be spent, not in idle waiting, but in diligent

working. This lesson He taught in the parable of the talents."—

"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 327.

Suggestions for Daily Family Study

Read the "Setting of the Lesson" and the Lesson Scripture. Drill on the

memory verse each day.

Study Questions 1.5, and Notes 1-3. Children may read paragraphs 1-3

of the primary lesson. Read selected portions from pages 327-335 of the

Lesson

Help, new edition.

Study Questions 6-10. Children may read paragraphs 4-6 of the primary

lesson. Read selected portions from pages 335-345 of the Lesson Help.

•

4. Study Questions 11-13, and Notes 4 and 5. Children may read paragraphs

7-10 of the primary lesson. Read selected portions from pages 363-369 of the

Lesson Help.

Study Questions 14-17, and Notes 6

and

7. Children may answer ques-

tions in the primary lesson. Read selected portions from pages 345-354 of the

Lesson Help.

Make a list of the talents mentioned in the Lesson Help as being possessed

by all. Note which of these may be used for the Lord. What course would

constitute "hiding" them? How may these talents be used by the enemy of

our souls?

Review the questions

and the

notes, each member of the family taking

part.

QUESTIONS

I. What parable does Jesus introduce to throw further light on the

coming kingdom? Before leaving on his long journey, whom

did the householder call to him? For what purpOse? Matt.

25: 14.

Note I.

How did he distribute his goods among his servants? What rule

governed him in bestowing his gifts? Verse 15. Note 2.

How did the servant receiving five talents make use of them?

Verse 16.

How did the servant receiving two talents use them? Verse 17.

125

What did the servant who had received but one talent do with

his lord's money? Verse i8. Note 3.

After a long time, what did the lord of those servants do?

Verse 19.

What report did the servant receiving five talents make to his

lord? Verse 2o.

What response did the lord make to this servant? Verse 21.

What report was made by the servant who had received two

talents? Verse 22.

io.

What did the lord say to this servant? Verse 23.

II. How did the servant receiving one talent preface his report?

Verse 24. Note 4.

12.

What had he done with his lord's money? Verse 25. Note 5.

13.

To what admission did the lord call his servant's attention?

•

Verse 26.

i4. What did his lord say he ought to have done, and why? Verse 27.

15. What did the lord command to be done with the one talent?

Verse 28. Note 6.

i6. What reason did he give for this command? Verse 29. Note 7.

17. What did he direct to be done with the unprofitable servant?

What statement did he add? Verse 3o.

NOTES

The parable of the talents is an explanation of the waiting time

between Jesus' departure from this earth and His return. The

parable of the ten virgins emphasizes the need of continual prepara-

tion for the Master's return; this of the talents, the use of the time

during His absence. The words, "Occupy till I come" (Luke 19: 13),

show that this parable reaches, as does that of the ten virgins, to the

end of the world.

The lord is represented here as giving his goods to each serv-

ant according to his ability. No more is required of any man than

the faithful, energetic use of his God-given ability, whatever it may

be. Ability, talents, grow by use. It is not the Lord's plan that we

merely preserve from waste the ability He gives us, if that were

possible; but He expects an increase.

"The talents, however few, are to be put to use. The question

that most concerns us is not, How much have I received? but, What

am I doing with that which I have? The development of all our

powers is the first duty we owe to God and to our fellow men. No

one who is not growing daily in capability and usefulness is fulfilling

the purpose of life. In making a profession of faith in Christ we

pledge ourselves to become all that it is possible for us to be as

workers for the Master, and we should cultivate every faculty to

the highest degree of perfection, that we- may do the greatest amount

of good of which we are capable."-"Christ's

Object Lessons," pp.

331, 332.

"The word 'strew' means to

scatter—as

men scatter seed in

sowing it. It may mean also to

ventilate,

or to

fan

ventilating

winnowing. As

sowing

the seed is mentioned just before, it may be

that this refers to gathering grain fanned or winnowed by others,

while he did nothing—indicating also a hard or sordid disposition."

—Barnes.

"Gathering where thou hast not strawed (scattered), 'with the

winnowing, fan—appropriating everything produced on his land by

the labor of his servants, without giving them any share—no induce-

ment to work for such a c irmudgeon master.'

"—Expositor's Greek

Testament.

Peloubet says, "This representation of the worst kind of landlord

is set forth in the parable in order to show by contrast that if it was

mean and unworthy to misuse the property of such a man, how

infinitely worse it was so to treat the gifts intrusted by One who is

holy and just."

"It needs no comment to show that his [the one-talent serv-,

ant's] own words, however honest and self-righteous they might

sound, admitted dereliction of his work and duty as a servant, and

entire misunderstanding as well as heart alienation from his master.

He served him not, and he knew him not; he loved him not, and he

sympathized not with him. But, besides, his answer was also an

insult and a mendacious pretext. He had been idle and unwilling

to work for his master. If he worked, it would be for himself. He

would not incur the difficulties, the self-denial, perhaps the reproach,

connected with his master's work. We recognize here those. who,

although His servants, yet, from selfish indulgence and worldliness,

will not do work for Christ with the

one talent intrusted to them—

that is, even though the responsibility and claim upon them be the

smallest."—"Life

and Times of Jesus," Edersheim, vol.

p. 462.

"The punishment for refusing to use the talent is the loss of

the talent itself. (I

) The

opportunities

will be taken away from him

who neglects them; he will not see them, nor be able to use them.

(2) The

ability

to use them is taken away. The unused limb grows

weak ; the still water dries up or becomes foul; the inactive mind

loses its power. This loss of the talent begins in this life; is gradual,

that men may take warning and have opportunity to repent ; but

finally,atAte--tadginent..cln, the talent will be wholly and irrevocably

taken

away."—Peloubet.

"Upon the slothful servant the sentence was, 'Take therefore

the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.'

Here, as in 'the reward of the faithful worker, is indicated, not

merely the reward at the final judgment, but the gradual process of

retribution in this life. As in the natural, so in the spiritual world:

every power unused will weaken and decay. Activity is the, law of

life; idleness is

death."—"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 367, 368.

"The knowledge of God is obtained from His word. The experi-

mental knowledge of true godliness, found in daily consecration and

service, insures the highest culture of body, mind, and soul."—

"Testimonies," vol. 8, p. 6

LESSON 9

THE JUDGMENT SCENE

May 29, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Matt, 25: 31-46.

MEMORY VERSE: Matt. 25: 40.

LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 637-641.

PLACE: The Mount of Olives.

PERSONS: Jesus and His disciples.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

"Christ on the Mount of Olives pictured to His disciples the scene

of the great judgment day. And He represented its decision as

turning upon one point. When the nations are gathered before Him,

there will be but two classes, and their eternal destiny will be deter-

mined by what they have done or have neglected to do for Him in

the person of the poor and the suffering. In that day Christ does not

present before men the great work He has done for them in giving

His life for their redemption. He presents the faithful work they

have done for

Him."—"The Desire of Ages,"

p. 637.

Suggestions for Daily Family Study

Read the "Setting of the Lesson" and the Lesson Scripture. Drill oh the

memory verse each day.

Study Questions 1-4, and Notes 1 and 2. Children may read paragraphs

1-5 of the primary lesson. Read pages 637 and 638 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 5.9, and Notes 3 and 4. Children may read paragraphs

6-11 of the primary lesson. Read pages 639 and 640 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 10-14, and Note 5. Children may answer questions in

the primary lesson. Read page 641 of the Lesson Help.

Review the lesson titles of all lessons covering the talk of Jesus with His

disciples while on the Mount of Olives. Let different members of the family

state the principal points in each lesson.

Review the lesson, by different members of the family telling the story,

omitting no details. Review the notes.

Discuss the following:

How may we minister to those in our• homes?

How may we minister to neighbors and friends?

How may we minister to strangers?

How may we minister

those in far-away lands?

QUESTIONS

While still upon the Mount of Olives, what scene did Jesus de-

scribe to His disciples? Matt. 25: 31. Note 1.

Who will be gathered before Him? Verse 32, first part. Note

Whit will He do to the nations? Verse 32, last part.

Where will He set the sheep and the goats? Verse 33.

What will the King say to those on His right hand? Verse 34.

Note 3.

What reasons does He give for calling them to their inheritance?

Verse 35. Note

What three additional reasons does He give? Verse 36.

[28

]

In their reply, what questions will the righteous ask? Verses

39.

What wonderful answer will the King give? Verse 4o.

10.

What words will He then address to those upon His left hand?

Verse 41.

it. What reasons will He give for this command? Verses 42, 43.

12.

How will they answer the King? Verse 44.

13.

What remarkable answer will the King give them? Verse 45.

14.

Where will these wicked then go? What will be the experience

of the righteous? Verse 46. Note 5.

NOTES

When Jesus comes the second time, the event is to be so glori-

ous that heaven will be emptied of all its inhabitants to form His

escort of honor. Our finite imagination can gain but a faint con-

ception of what the glory of that event will be. Jesus is to bring

"all the holy angels with Him." Revelation 5: II gives an impression

of an innumerable host: "The number of them was ten thousand

times ten thousand, and thousands of thousand' or as the original

gives it, "myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands." A

myriad in Greek is the definite number ten thousand, so that this

text really says, "ten thousands of ten thousands, and thousands of

thousands." Well may we conclude that "all the holy angels" who

will escort the coming King on His glorious return, will be, as the

translators of Hebrews put it, "innumerable hosts of angels." Heb.

I2: 22, R. V.

The angels do not come with Jesus as an escort of honor alone.

In Matthew 24: 31, it is said that "they shall gather together His elect

from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." A

gloriou's gathering that will be!

"While Satan was rallying his army, the saints were in the

city, beholding the beauty and glory of the Paradise of God. Jesus

was at their head, leading them. All at once the lovely Saviour was

gone from our company; but soon we heard His lovely voice, saying,

`Come. ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for

you from the foundation of the world.' We gathered about Jesus,

and just as He closed the gates of the city, the curse was pronounced

upon the wicked. The gates were shut. Then the saints used their

wings and mounted to the top of the wall of the city. Jesus was also

with them; His crown looked brilliant and glorious. It was a crown

within a crown, seven in number. The crowns of the saints were

of the most pure gold, decked with stars. Their faces shone with

glory, for they were in the express image of Jesus; and as they

arose, and moved all together to the top of the city, I was enrap-

tured with the sight."—"Early

Writings," pp. 53* 54.

It is important to notice that the service on which the King

will base His commendation or condemnation, is service that is

within the reach of every one, even of the least. The words "these

My brethren" may seem to indicate that this service is to be given

to Christ's followers only, but we should not interpret them nar-

[ 29]

rowly. While there is a special bond of love between Christ and

His followers, and a special promise to any who give them, so much

as."a cup of cold water" (Matt. to: 42), yet Christ will recognize the

spirit of unselfish service that ministers to anyone in distress, even

when the service is performed by one who is not apparently a fol-

lower of Christ.

"Even among the heathen are those who have cherished the spirit

of kindness; before the words of life had fallen upon their ears,

they have befriended the missionaries, even ministering to them at

the peril of their own lives. Among the heathen are those who wor-

ship God ignorantly, those to whom the light is never brought by

human instrumentality, yet they will not perish. Though ignorant

of the written law of God, they have heard His voice speaking to

them in nature, and have done the things that the law required.

Their works are evidence that the Holy Spirit has touched their

hearts, and they are recognized as the children of God."—"The

Desire of Ages," p. 638.

5. The word "everlasting" in verses 41 and 46, and the word

"eternal" in verse 46, are the same word in the original. It must be

understood in each case as meaning everlasting in effect. The fire

will be everlasting in effect by consuming the wicked. As Malachi 4

says, it shall "burn them up," and "they shall be ashes under the soles

of your feet." Verses 1, 3. The punishment thus inflicted will be

everlasting in effect—there will be no recovery from this destruction.

Life can be everlasting in effect, only by never being cut off. Tn

short, there are only two results—everlasting death and everlasting

life. The means and process of producing death need not be con-

fused with the result—death.

LESSON 10

ENEMIES PLAN JESUS' DEATH; PREPARATION

FOR THE PASSOVER

June 5, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURES: Matt. 26: 1-5, 14-19; Luke 22: 1-13.

PARALLEL SCRIPTURE: Mark 14: 10-16.

MEMORY VERSE: Matt. 20: 18.

LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 716, 717.

PLACES: Palace of the high priest; upper room where Jesus ate the Passover

supper with His disciples.

PERSONS: Jesus and His disciples; Caiaphas, priests, scribes, elders; the

man who gave them the use of the upper room.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

The events of this lesson follow the long talk which Jesus had

with His disciples on the Mount of Olives, recorded in Matthew

24 and 25.

Suggestions for Daily Family Study

1. Note the "Setting of the Lesson." Read of Judas in Matt. 26 ; 14-16;

Mark 14: 10, 11 ; Luke 22 : 1.6. Children may read paragraphs 1-4 of the pri-

mary lesson. Drill on the memory verse each day.

E 30 ]

Study Questions 1-7, and Notes 1-3. Children may answer questions on

paragraphs 1-4 of the primary lesson. Read pages 716 and 717 of the Lesson

Help.

Read Exodus 12. Study Questions 8-10, and Note 4. For the children,

recall interesting experiences in connection with the first Passover feast. Read

selected portions from pages 273-280 of "Patriarchs and Prophets."

Study Questions 11-16, and Note 5. Children may read paragraphs 5-8

of the primary lesson. Children should be helped to understand the significance

of the first Passover feast, and the last one, which Jesus was about to celebrate.

Study in this connection Luke 19: 29-32. What lesson should we learn

from the exact fulfillment of Jesus' words in these two incidents? Children may

answer questions in the primary. lesson.

Review the experience of Judas,

recalling the circumstances under which

he became associated with the twelve, by reading Luke 9: 57, 58, and "The De-

sire of Ages," pp. 293-295.

Review the lesson, each member of the family taking part.

QUESTIONS

r. At the close of Jesus' discourse with the disciples upon the

Mount of Olives, of what feast did He speak? What did He

say would take place at that time? Matt. 26: I, 2. Note 1.

Who then assembled at the palace of the high priest? Verse 3.

Name three conclusions 'reached at this council concerning Jesus.

Verses 4, 5. Note

Who took control of Judas at this time? Among whom was he

numbered? Luke

22:

Having yielded himself to the enemy, where was he led? What

was his object in visiting the chief priests? Verse 4. Note 3.

How did the chief priests receive Judas? Into what covenant

did they enter with him? Verse 5.

What were the terms of the covenant? Matt. 26: 15; Luke

22 :

What feast was now being held? What question did the disciples

ask Jesus? Matt. 26: 17.

When was the Passover feast instituted? Exodus 12.

10.

What supreme event in the life of Jesus did the Passover typify?

Cor. 5: 7, last part. Note 4.

ri. 'What two disciples were chosen to make the needful preparation

for the Passover? Luke

22 :

12.

What question did they ask? Verse g.

13.

Whom did Jesus say they would meet when they should enter

the city? What were Peter and John to do? Verse ro.

14.

What were they to say to the good man of the house? Verse II.

15.

What did Jesus say beforehand that this man would do? When

shown this furnished room, what were Peter and John to do?

Verse

12.

16.

What did these two disciples find on going into Jerusalem?

Verse 13. Note 5.

NOTES

1. From this point, Jesus prepares to enter the final struggle with

the prince of darkness. His public ministry is ended. His heart

yearningly turns to His disciples. He is closeted, as it were, with

them, and imparts all the instruction He sees they can bear. Much

that He longs to tell them is stayed upon His lips; for they are not

ready. His hour has now come, but they are unprepared for it.

It will be observed that the Bible record lifts the veil and

reveals the principal events taking place within two circles—that of

Jesus and His little band, and that of the Jews under the leadership

of Satan, with whom they were closely allied in this conspiracy.

First we are shown the one, and then the other.

"We look with horror upon the treachery of Judas ; but his

case represents a large class who file in under the banner of Christ,

yet are really His worst enemies. They worship only self and money,

and use the name of Christian as a cloak to hide their evil deeds.

They sell their integrity for money, and their Saviour for a little

worldly advantage."—"Spirit

of Prophecy," vol. 3, pp. 82,

"The Passover was to be both commemorative and typical, not

only pointing back to the deliverance from Egypt, but forward to

the greater deliverance which Christ was to accomplish in freeing

His people from the bondage of sin. The sacrificial lamb represents

`the Lamb of God,' in whom is our only hope of salvation. Says the

apostle, 'Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.'

"—"Patriarchs and

Prophets," p. 277.

"The Saviour desired to keep this feast alone with the twelve. He

knew that His hour was come; He Himself was the true paschal"

lamb, and on the day the Passover was eaten, He was to be sacrificed.

He was about to drink the cup of wrath; He must soon receive the

final baptism of suffering. But a few quiet hours yet remained to

Him, and these were to be spent for the benefit of His beloved dis-

ciples."—"The

Desire of Ages," p. 642.

Carrying water was usually woman's work in Palestine, hence

the sign Jesus gave was an unusual one. Note that He does not give

the man's name nor the location of the house. The preparations

which Peter and John were to make no doubt involved the provid-

ing of the lamb, the bitter herbs, the unleavened bread, and wine for

the Passover feast.

We take great satisfaction in the fact that the Sabbath school les-

sons are published monthly for the blind, and that those who have

heretofore been without them may now have the blessing which comes

from their study. The texts are printed in full, but the notes are

omitted; many, however, are pleased to receive the lessons in this

form. Recently 326 copies were sent to blind people, 141 copies being

printed in the Revised Braille, and 185 in the New York Point. If

you have blind friends, the lessons may be secured for them from

the Christian Record Publishing Company, College View, Nebraska.

"If the word of God were appreciated as it should be, both young

and old would possess an inward rectitude, a strength of principle,

that would enable them to resist temptation."—"Testimonies,"

vol. 8,

p. 319.

32 1

LESSON 11

CONTENTION AMONG THE TWELVE; JESUS

WASHING THE DISCIPLES' FEET

June 12, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURES: Luke 22: 24-30; John 13: 1-17.

MEMORY VERSE: Matt. 23: 11.

LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 642-651.

PLACE: The upper room of a dwelling in Jerusalem.

PERSONS: Jesus, with the twelve.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

Jesus and His disciples entered the upper chamber where Peter

and John had made preparations for the Passover feast. Jesus knew

that He was soon to be put to death, and on this last evening they

were to be together He had much to say to them. But the disciples

were cherishing a bitter spirit, and were striving among themselves,

each desiring to be the greatest, and so were unprepared to hear and

understand the words of Jesus.

Suggestions for Daily Family Study

Note the "Setting of the Lesson," and read Luke 22: 24-30. Drill on

the memory verse each day.

Study Questions 1-4, and Note 1. Children may read paragraphs 1 and 2

of the primary lesson.

Study Questions 5-10, and Notes 2-5. Children may read paragraphs 3-6

of the primary lesson. Read selected portions from pages 642-646 of the Les-

son Help.

Study Questions 11-13, and Note 6. Children may read paragraphs 7 and

8 of the primary lesson. Read selected portions from pages 647-651 of the

Lesson Help.

Study Questions 14 and 15. Children may answer questions in the pri-

mary lesson.

Review the first part of the lesson by telling it as a story, each member

of the family taking part. Discuss the following: What is true humility? How

may one attain true greatness?

Complete the review as suggested for the preceding day. Discuss the

following: In what marked way does the spirit of the world differ from the spirit

of Christ? How can the spirit taught in this lesson be revealed in the daily life?

QUESTIONS

For what did the disciples strive as they assembled to celebrate

the Passover? Luke

22 :

24. Note 1.

What did Jesus say the kings of the gentiles exercised? What

were such supposed to be? Verse 25.

In contrast to this, what did Jesus say would be the rule in His

kingdom? What position did He say He had chosen? Verses

26, 27.

With what words did He commend the twelve? What did He

appoint them? What was to be their place and service in His

kingdom? Verses 28-30.

[ 33 ]

Of what was Jesus fully conscious? Knowing He was soon to

leave this world, what is said of His love for His own? John

13: I.

What had the devil accomplished at this time? What purpose

of the Father did Jesus fully understand?. Knowing 'all this,

what did He do? Verses 2-5. Note 2.

What question did Peter ask when Jesus came to him? What

was the Lord's answer? Verses 6, 7.

When Peter saw Jesus doing what he had been unwilling to do,

what, feeling did he emphatically express? What did Jesus say

in reply? Verse 8. Note 3.

How did Peter then show his willingness to be served? What

further evidence did Jesus give that His act meant more than

bodily cleanliness? Verses 9, 10. Note 4.

io. What reference did Jesus make to His betrayer? Verse H.

Note 5.

t. Of what defilement was Jesus speaking? Mark 7: 20-23.

12.

When He had finished washing the feet of His disciples, what

did He say? John 13: 12-15. Note 6.

13.

What principle of true service did He then lay down for all His

followers? What did He point out would be the result of such

service? Verses 16, 17.

14.

What was the position of the Son of God in heaven? John I :1-3.

15.

To teach us true humility, and the sin of self-exaltation, what

did Jesus do? Phil. 2:6, 7; Matt. 20: 28.

NOTES

"There was 'a strife among them, which of them should be

accounted the greatest.' This contention, carried on in the presence

of Christ, grieved and wounded Him. The disciples clung to their

favorite idea that Christ would assert His power, and take His posi-

tion on the throne of David. And in heart each still longed for the

highest place in the kingdom. They had placed their own estimate

upon themselves and upon one another, and instead of regarding

their brethren as more worthy, they had placed themselves first. The

request of James and John to sit on the right and left of Christ's

throne, had excited the indignation of the others. That the two

brothers should presume to ask for the highest position, so stirred

the ten that alienation threatened. They felt that they were mis-

judged, that their fidelity and talents were not appreciated. Judas

was the most severe upon James and John.

"When the disciples entered the supper room, their hearts were

full of resentful feelings. Judas pressed next to Christ on the left

side; John was on the right. If there was a highest place, Judas was

determined to have it, and that place was thought to be next to

Christ. And Judas was a traitor."—"The

Desire of Ages,"

pp.

643, 644.

"Another cause of dissension had arisen. At a feast it was

customary for a servant to wash the feet of the guests, and on this

[34

]

occasion preparation had been made [by Peter and John] for the

service. The pitcher, the basin, and the towel were there, in readi-

ness for the feet-washing; but no servant was present, and it was

the disciples' part'to perform it. But each of the disciples, yielding

to wounded pride, determined not to act the part of a servantyAll

manifested a stoical unconcern, seeming unconscious that there was

anything for them to do. By their

silence

they refused to humble

themselves."—Id.,

p. 644.

"Such girding was the common mark of a slave, by whom the

service of foot-washing was ordinarily performed."—"Life

and

Times of Jesus," Edersheim, vol. 2,

pp. 501, 502.

"The service which Peter refused was the type of a higher

cleansing. Christ had come to wash the heart from the stain of sin.

In refusing to allow Christ to wasEhis feet, Peter was refusing the

higher cleansing included in the lower. He was really rejecting

his Lord. .

"At the words, 'If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me.'

Peter surrendered his pride and self-will. He could not endure the

thought of separation from Christ; that would have been death to

him.

—"The Desire of Ages," p. 646.

"When Jesus girded Himself with a towel to wash the dust

from their feet, He desired by that very act to wash the alienation,

jealousy, and pride from their hearts. This was of far more conse-

quence than the washing of their dusty feet. With the spirit they

then had, not one of them was prepared for communion with Christ.

Until brought into a state of humility and love, they were not pre-

pared to partake of the paschal supper, or to share in the memorial

service which Christ was about to institute. Their hearts must be

cleansed. Pride and self-seeking create dissension and hatred, but

all this Jesus washed away in washing their feet. A change of feel-

ing was brought about. Looking upon them, Jesus could say, `Ye

are clean.' Now there was union of heart, love for one another.

They had become humble and teachable. Except Judas, each was

ready to concede to another the highest place. Now with subdued

and grateful hearts they could receive Christ's words."—Ibid.

"So far as Judas himself was concerned, Christ's work of love

had been without avail. But not so as regards his fellow disciples.

To them it was a lesson of lifelong influence. Ever would its ex-

ample of tenderness and longsuffering mold their intercourse with

the tempted and the erring. And it had other lessons. At the ordi-

nation of the twelve, the disciples had greatly desired that Judas

should become one of their number; and they had counted his acces-

sion an event of much promise to the apostolic band. . . . But the

.methods he desired to introduce into Christ's Work were based upon

worldly principles and were controlled by worldly policy."—"Edu-

cation," p. 93.

"Christ would have His disciples understand that although He

had washed their feet, this did not in the least detract from His

dignity. ... Being so infinitely superior, He imparted grace and sig-

nificance to the service. No one was so exalted as Christ, and yet

He stooped to the humblest duty."—"The

Desire of Ages," p. 649.

[357

LESSON 12

THE LORD'S SUPPER INSTITUTED; JESUS

POINTS OUT THE TRAITOR

June 19, 1926



LESSON SCRIPTURES: Mark 14: 22-31; John 13: 21-38.

PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Matt. 26: 20-35; Luke 22: 19-23, 31-34; 1 Cor.

11:23-2)5.q

MEMORY VERSE: Luke 22: 19.

LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 652-661.

PLACE: The upper room of a dwelling in Jerusalem.

PERSONS: Jesus, with the twelve.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

"Christ is still at the table

on which the paschal supper has been

spread. The unleavened cakes used at the Passover season are

before Him. The Passover wine, untouched by fermentation, is on

the table. These emblems Christ employs to represent His own un-

blemished sacrifice."—"The

Desire of Ages," P. 653.

Suggestions for Daily Family Study

Read the "Setting of the Lesson" and the Lesson Scripture. Drill on

the memory verse each day.

Study Questions' 1.4, and Notes 1 and 2. Children may read paragraphs

1-3 of the primary lesson. Read pages 652 and 653 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 5-9, and Notes 3 and 4. Children may read paragraphs

4 and 5 of the primary lesson. Read pages 654-656 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 10-14, and Notes 5 and 6. Read pages 659-66.1 of the

Lesson Help.

Study Questions 15-18, and Notes 7 and 8. Children may read paragraphs

6-9 of the primary lesson.

Review the lesson by reading the Parallel Scriptures. Children may an-

swer questions in the primary lesson.

Review the lesson by telling it in story form, keeping the order of events

correct. Use may be made of the questions in the Quarterly, or in "The Youth's

Instructor."

QUESTIONS

As Jesus and His disciples were eating the Passover meal, what

new ordinance did Jesus give them? What did He say of the

unleavened bread? Mark 14:

22.

What did He do with the cup of unfermented wine? What did

He say of the wine? Verses 23, 24.

What did He say of the time when He would again drink of the

fruit of the vine? Verse 25. Note 1.

What is shown as often as this ordinance is celebrated? Until

what time should the followers of Jesus continue this service?

Cor.



26. Note

36]

As they were still seated at the table, what statement did Jesus

sadly make? John 13: 21.

What effect did His words have upon the disciples?- Matt. 26: 22.

Note 3.

At this time, in what attitude was John, the beloved disciple?

What did Peter beckon him to do? John 13: 23, 24.

What question did John ask? How did Jesus reply? To whom

did He give the sop? Verses 25, 26.

What question did Judas then ask? What plain statement did

Jesus make in reply? Matt. 26: 25. Note 4.



•

to. What more did Jesus say to Judas? . What mistaken idea did the

other disciples have? When Judas saw that he. was known as

the traitor, what did he do? John t3: 27-30.

Note 5.

IL When Judas had departed, what did Jesus say? Verses 31, 32.

12.

In what tender way did He address His disciples? What further

did He say to them? Verse 33.

13.

In what respect was the commandment to love one another new?

When this love is seen in the believer, what is the result? Verses

34, 35. Note 6.

14.

How did the service of the evening close? Matt. 26: 3o.

15.

What startling statement did Jesus then make regarding the

eleven? Verse 81. Note 7. •

16.

How did Peter declare his loyalty to the Master? Verse 33.

17.

What did Jesus tell Peter he surely would do before morning?

How did Peter deny this charge? What position did the rest of

the disciples take? Verses 34, 35.

18.

What did Jesus say He had done foi• Peter? Luke 22: 31, 32.

Note 8.

NOTES

"The communion service points to Christ's second coming. It

was designed to keep this hope vivid in the minds of the disciples."

-"The Desire of Ages," p. 659.

"As we receive the bread and wine symbolizing

Christ's broken

body and spilled blood, we in imagination join in the scene of com-

munion in the upper chamber. We seem to be passing through the

garden consecrated by the agony of Him who bore the sins of the

world. We witness the struggle by which our reconciliation with

God was obtained. Christ is set forth crucified among us.

"Looking upon the crucified Redeemer, we more fully compre-

hend the magnitude and meaning of the sacrifice made by the Majesty

of heaven. The plan of salvation is glorified before us, and the

thought of Calvary awakens living arid sacred emotions in our hearts.

Praise to God and the Lamb will be in our hearts and on our lips

for pride and self-worship can not flourish in the soul that keeps

•

fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary."-(

d., p. 66r.

3. "At these words amazement and consternation seized them.

They could not comprehend how any one of them could deal treach-

[ 37 1

crously with their divine Teacher. For what cause could they betray

Him? and to whom? Whose heart could give birth to such a design?

Surely not one of the favored twelve."—Id.,

p. 654.

"The disciples had •searchect one another's faces closely as they

asked, 'Lord, is it I?' And now the silence of Judas drew all eyes

to him. Amid the confusion of questionS and expressions of aston-

ishment, Judas had not heard the words of Jesus in answer to John's

question. But now, to escape the scrutiny of the disciples, he asked

as they had done, 'Master, is it I?' Jesus solemnly replied, 'Thou

bast said.'

"—Ibid.

"In surprise and confusion at the exposure of his purpose,

Judas rose hastily to leave the room. 'Then said Jesus unto him,

That thou doest, do quickly. . . . He then having received the sop

went immediately out : and it was night.' Night it was to the traitor

as he turned away from Christ into the outer darkness. Until this

step was taken, Judas had-not passed beyond the possibility of repent-

ance. But when he left the presence of his Lord and his fellow

disciples, the final decision had been made. He had passed the boun-

dary

line."—Ibid.

"Though Jesus knew Judas from the beginning, He washed his

feet. And the betrayer was privileged to unite with Christ in par-

taking

of the sacrament. . . This example is for us. When we

suppose one to be in error and sin, we are not to divorce ourselves

from him. . . Christ's example forbids exclusiveness at the Lord's

supper. It is true that open sin excludes the guilty. This the Holy

Spirit plainly teaches (I Cor. 5: ii). But beyond this none are to

pass judgment."—Id.,

pp.

655, 656.

To love one another, was not a new precept. But never before

had the world witnessed

such

love as the love of Jesus. The new

feature of this command was "that ye love one another;

1 have

loved you." John 13: ; Rom. 5 : 5 ; i John 3: 18, 54.

The word "offended" as here used, does not mean

angry

as we

understand the word, but

caused to stumble.

Jesus knew that the

events soon to take place would cause the disciples disappointment

and fear. Instead of seeking a place close to Him, they would flee

to save their own lives, thus leaving Him alone.

"Over and over again, on the very verge of ruin. Peter's words

of boasting brought him nearer and still nearer to the brink. Over

and over again was given the warning, 'Thou shalt . . deny that

thou knowest Me.' . . . When in the judgment hall the words of

denial had been spoken; when Peter's love and loyalty, awakened

under the Saviour's glance of pity and love and sorrow, had sent him

forth to the garden where Christ had wept and prayed; when his

tears of remorse dropped upon the sod that had been moistened

with the- blood-drops. of- His agony,—then the Saviour's

words, 'I

have prayed for thee; . . . when thou art converted, strengthen thy

brethren,' were a stay to his soul. Christ,.-though foreseeing his sin,

had.not:abandoned-

him to

despair."—"Education," p.

89.

..,



Let



cross. of

Christ he made the science of all education, the

center of

all teaching and alt

study."—"2"e'stintonies," vol. 8, p. 32o.

[ 38]

LESSON 13

THE REVIEW

June 26, 1926

Suggestions for Daily Family Study

Study Questions 1 and

Let each member of the family unite in telling

the parable of the wicked husbandmen. Children may relate the parable of the

king's son, older members emphasizing the practical truths. In each day's

study, review the memory verses.

Study Questions 3 and 4. Children may tell the story of the widow's mites.

Study Questions 5 and 6. Children may describe the signs that have

appeared in the heavens, showing that the coming of Jesus is near.

Study Questions 7 and 8. Children may relate the story of the ten virgins.

Study Questions 9 and 10. Children may name the talents all have, and

explain result of a failure to use them properly.

Study Questions II and 12. All members may assist in recalling the events

of the evening when the Passover was eaten.

Study Question 13. Describe the institution of the Lord's supper. Chil-

dren may tell the meaning of the emblems.

QUESTIONS

I. By what parable did Jesus illUstrate the manner in which I le

would be treated by His professed followers? Lesson T. Matt.

21 :



What leading truths are taught in the parable of the marriage

of the king's son? Lesson 2. Matt. 22:

1-1

In what striking

_ way did Jesus teach our duty to God and to the

civil power? Lesson 2. Matt. 22: 17-21.

Upon what principle do all the commandments rest? By what

rule does the Lord measure the real value of our gifts? Lesson



Mark 12 : 28

44.

Name nine points mentioned by Jesus that would in the last days

be signs of His second coming to this world. Lesson 4. Matt.

24: 1-14.

What further signs did He say would tell of the destruction of

Jerusalem, as well as Of His second coining? Lesson 5. Matt.

By what parable does Jesus tell us that _we may know when His

coming is near? Lesson 6. Matt. 24: 32-51. •

S. What parable was related concerning Christ's coming? What is

the chief lesson to be learned from it? Lesson 7. Matt. 25: 1-13.

9. By what parable did Jesus teach that all must give account, in

the day of judgment, for the talents intrusted to them? Lesson

S. 4att. ;5: 14-30.

To. To what is the separatfOn of the people in the judgment com-

pared? LeSson 9. Matt. 25: 31-46.. Who superintends this work

of .division? John-5: 22,27-20.



- •

39 1

./ ti

Chorazin•

Capernaum

Cana •

Magd

••.

‘

Nazaretlittioe

•

Nain

•A non

•

Samaria

;; Shoehorn . • Sychar

"''•"

•

Salim

Emmaus. Jericho.

JERUSALENHIP=

Beth any.

Bethlehem •

- L

it. What preparation was made for Jesus and His disciples to eat

the Passover? Lesson Jo. Matt 26:



14-19; Luke 22: 1-13.

12.

What caused contention among the' disciples? What example

did Jesus set for them in their relation to one another and to

service? Lesson it. Luke

22 : 24-30 ;

John 13: 1-17.

13.

What memorials of His love and sacrifice_ did the Lord give to

His church at this time? Lesson

12.

Mark 14: 22-31.